Pirates and Pals or Terrace Dessert party?

[Belle'sFan]

Traveling with my Mom who will be 79. Trying to find the best -ie, less crowded, preferably seated - way to view HEA. I'm interested in the pirates and pals firework cruise because it is outside the park it should be less crowded, easier to leave afterwards, it's seated, plus we get to meet Peter Pan. My concern is the view. Will we see well enough? I know the dessert party with the terrace option includes seating,is closer to the action, but the view looks obstructed (based on a recent review). Even though it's a reserved party, sounds like we would need to arrive well in advance to get a good table and deal with the crowds. Which would you chose? Is there any other option I am overlooking?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I wouldn't describe the seated Tomorroland Terrace version of the dessert party as "closer to the action" - it's off center/away from the castle with generally obstructed views of the lower portion of the castle from many tables. The Plaza Garden viewing version is a closer/better view, but likely not the best option given the needs you describe.

This is obviously more expensive, but have you looked into a private fireworks cruise on one of the pontoon boats? It's private, seated, no dealing with crowds, outside the park, etc.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

It depends on what your priorities are. Pirates and Pals is a great event - tons of desserts, a lot of fun, zero crowds, but . . . not a great view of HEA. HEA is more of a projection show than a fireworks show. Quite honestly, when we saw it, I barely even noticed the fireworks - the projections are stunning.

The terrace viewing of HEA is not great. You will, obviously, see more projections than if you are on a boat in the lagoon, but the view is not stellar. The view from Plaza Gardens is better, but there is no seating there. The dessert/event portion of the HEA party is not as good as Pirates and Pals, either, IMHO. You will also encounter crowds on the way out.

For an overall better event experience (knowing you won't see any castle projections) I would do Pirates and Pals. Personally, I would only do the HEA event with Plaza Garden viewing. Otherwise, I don't think it's worth it.

 

[Belle'sFan]

Thanks everyone! As I thought, the plaza is the best view, but no seats. Sounds like it's either the cruise or the plaza. Maybe if we stayed seated at the dessert party as long as possible and then walked over to the plaza it would be OK. Still, I like the idea of the cruise.......more thinking to do on this!

 

[Mitzicat]

If you have never seen the fireworks from on the water....then do the Pirates and Pals. I have done both and I was blown away from the view on the water. You still get plenty of yummy goodies before you go. You have funny pirate leading the way. Opportunity to meet Captain Hook and Smee....and well maybe someone else at the end! wink wink

Don't get me wrong the Terrace dessert party has some yummy items as well but I think for your money the cruise is so much more memorable.